Johnson Encourages Lakers Players to Rally Around Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Former Lakers star Magic Johnson said during a conference call on Tuesday with reporters that the Los Angeles Lakers’ success this season will fall upon current star Kobe Bryant’s supporting cast.

If the team has any shot this year of tying the Boston Celtics’ 17 overall championships, other players like Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will be called upon heavily this season. Johnson stressed the importance of Bryant making sure they are actively involved.

“What Kobe has to do now is really look to get Gasol and Bynum going and then pick and choose when he should dominate,” said Johnson. “Because he’s going to need help, especially more this season than any other season, for them to be really one of the best teams and win a championship.”

The Lakers’ run at their 17th title starts Christmas Day when they host the Chicago Bulls.